On 9 March 2022, 47-year-old Vladislav Yeltyshev and his wife Tetyana were caught in Russian ‘Grad’ rocket fire. The couple were killed just 50 metres short of their home in Mariupol.
Vladislav was born and lived in this city. He was a mechanical engineer by training. He set up a unique company specialising in the manufacture of histological laboratory equipment. Together with his wife, he raised two daughters and a son.
“We had the happiest family. Our parents did everything to ensure we never went without anything and were happy. Mum and Dad were very kind and caring. Dad was a hard-working and cheerful man. Mum was my best friend; she was always there to support me. They were the best parents and friends! They loved life and Mariupol!’ said the couple’s children.
‘Vlad was very hard-working, yet always had time for his family; he was constantly teaching his children something. He was a generous man. Whilst working in various countries, he always returned to Mariupol. He loved his family, Ukraine and Mariupol dearly, and believed in our resilience,” recalled Vladislav’s sister-in-law, Iryna Viflyantseva.
During the full-scale war, the Yeltyshev family took shelter in a high-rise block on Kazantseva Street, where they lived.
“On 9 March, Tetyana and Vladislav went out to find a signal so they could ring some friends. As they were returning home, they came under fire from ‘Grad’ rockets. His sister died instantly. Vladislav died in hospital, 10 minutes after he was taken there,” said Irina.
The family were unable to collect the body from the hospital straight away. They later learnt that a rocket had struck the mortuary. They do not know for certain whether Vladislav has been buried.
The deceased is survived by three children, his father and his sister.
At 9.00 am – a nationwide minute’s silence. The Donetsk Regional Military Administration and the Memorial platform: those killed by Russia are commemorating the residents of the Donetsk region killed by Russians.